#137 “I Want Us to Try to be Together.”
Sophia entered Alexander’s room, the sterile scent of the hospital surrounding her as she approached his bedside. The rhythmic beeping of the monitors provided a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil within her.
Sitting down, she found solace in the familiar space beside his hospital bed. In the past few days, it had become a habit for her to say it out loud when something was bothering her. She shared her thoughts with him incessantly.
“You know, you never cease to amaze me,” she murmured. Still shocked by the recent revelation, she buried her face in her hands, attempting to find composure.
Taking a deep breath, she allowed the gravity of the situation to settle. The news that Alexander had only entered into an engagement with Megan for her sake was a revelation that still echoed in her thoughts.
“I hope to continue to do so,” came Alexander’s hoarse voice, unexpectedly breaking the silence.
Sophia jolted in her seat, startled by the sound. His eyes were open, meeting hers with a gaze that spoke volumes.
“You’re awake!” Sophia exclaimed, her eyes welling up with tears, a mixture of relief and overwhelming emotion.
As she examined him, the pale hospital light accentuated the hints of exhaustion on Alexander’s face. The doctors’ warnings about potential signs of anemia lingered in Sophia’s mind.
“Do you know who I am?” Sophia asked, leaning over him with anticipation.
“To my greatest happiness, yes,” he replied, a soft smile playing on his lips.
Sophia’s shoulders relaxed as a sigh escaped her. The weight of uncertainty that had gripped her heart began to lift. Without hesitation, she enveloped him in a heartfelt hug, a culmination of worry, relief, and the unspoken emotions that had filled the hospital room.
Alexander struggled to a sitting position, pulling Sophia closer to him. His fingers ran through her hair, and he breathed in the scent he had grown to love so much.
“You scared me to death, “Sophia whispered into the crook of his neck, refusing to release the embrace.
“I can say the same, Sophia,” he replied with a smile, his heart warmed by the rare closeness they shared.
Alexander didn’t know what to say or do to keep the moment as it was. Her arms wrapped around him and she looked at him so tenderly that he was afraid even a breath would ruin it.
“You have a lot to explain to me,” Sophia stated, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze.
His dark green eyes traced over her face, trying to discern the changes that had occurred in the past few days, prompting Sophia’s newfound willingness to talk.
Alexander found satisfaction in the shift of dynamics. Despite the danger that had lurked in his life, the current moment felt worth it, with Sophia right there in his arms.
“That’s right. Are you ready to listen?” he inquired.
“Yes,” Sophia replied, a genuine smile gracing her lips.
“Before that, I want to know if you’re injured somewhere,” Alexander asked, scrutinizing Sophia for any signs of harm.
She shook her head, cupping his face in her hands, redirecting his attention.
“I know you’re sick of hearing it, but don’t worry about me. I’m fine. You’re the one who was in a coma for days.”
Alexander felt a mixture of relief and gratitude, overwhelmed by Sophia’s resilience and care.
“Why do you always do so much for me? Why risk your life for me? Why did you get engaged to Megan just to get me the information?” Sophia questioned, her curiosity unyielding.
“I guess I should get a new secretary who can keep a secret,” muttered Alexander.
“Don’t, I’m a lawyer, I know how to pressure people for information,” laughed Sophia. “Ah, now seriously, why did you do that?”
“Sophia, you may not have realized it yet, but you are important to me. I made you a promise, and I intend to keep it because once I didn’t, and I still regret it.”
“What do you mean? Which promise did you not keep?” Sophia asked, a hint of confusion in her expression.
She sat on the side of his bed, giving him the space to unravel the truth.
“To be your husband, Sophia. I failed miserably, and I want to fix that. I want you to be able to count on me. I know you can handle yourself, but that doesn’t mean you have to be alone all the time.” Alexander confessed, laying bare his intentions and regrets.
Sophia couldn’t find the words to express the overwhelming emotions swirling within her. Her throat tightened, rendering her silent as she listened intently to Alexander’s revelations.
“When I came to your apartment, I wanted to talk to you. I needed to know if you had feelings for me. If you did, I would have never accepted Meghan’s marriage proposal. But you made it clear that you didn’t care. That’s why I accepted, because I cared about you, and I wanted you to be able to get revenge on Megan and bring justice,” Alexander explained, his words hanging in the air.
“I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t care, you fool,” Sophia mumbled, her voice barely audible. “Of course, I care.
But when I saw you and Megan the other night, I didn’t want to give you that win. To play with me and her. I pretended that it meant nothing to me, but inside, I was furious with you,” she admitted, her vulnerability laid bare.
Alexander recalled his mother’s words, echoing in his mind that Sophia’s anger was a testament to his importance in her life. A small smile played on his lips of understanding and relief.
“I’m sorry, Sophia. I never meant to…” Alexander began.
“No, I’m sorry. I should have let you talk, but I was so angry and stupid that I pushed you away, despite everything you’ve done and continue to do for me, “Sophia replied, her regret evident in her words.
“What are you telling me, Sophia?” Alexander asked, confusion clouding his features.
“I want us to try to be together,”
Sophia admitted, her voice sincere. “If you still want me. I’ll understand if…”
Before Sophia could finish her sentence, Alexander interrupted her by pulling her into a kiss.
